MANILA, Philippines — The City of Mandaluyong better known as the “Tiger City” is celebrating today its 18th Anniversary as a city, pursuant to Republic Act 7675 signed on February 9, 1994.

Originally a small barrio of Sta. Ana de Sapa, the town became San Felipe Neri when separated from Sta. Ana de Sapa in 1841. San Felipe Neri was made part of the Municipality of San Juan del Monte. It finally became an independent municipality on March 27, 1907 and Mandaluyong was born.

The twin event is a celebration of thanksgiving for the development and success that the city has accomplished. Mandaluyong City has received the Presidential Award for the Most Child Friendly City in the Highly Urbanized City Category, the Kabalikat Award for Local Government Unit in the National Capital Region in terms of manpower program, and the Green Banner Award for having the best in Nutrition Program and Management Implementation.

The 12-day celebration started on January 29, 2012, with a Nutri-Fun Run, followed by a medical mission dubbed Operation We Care and the Gabi ng Pasasalamat (A Night of Thanksgiving)-Bantay Bayan Night. On January 31, 2012, Block 32 Day Care Center on Molave Street in Barangay Addition Hills was inaugurated together with the groundbreaking rites for the Manpower Development Center in the same barangay. Streetlights in Kalentong and Haig Streets were lighted.

The other highlights of the celebration include the inauguration of major thoroughfares, classrooms, and day care centers, a medical mission, job fair (local and overseas), employees night, the Koro ng Bayan 2nd Choir Championship, the annual Search for Miss and Bilbiling Mandaluyong, the awarding of the Ulirang Mandaleño, and the recognition of the Top 10 Taxpayers of Mandaluyong. On February 9, 2012, there will be a Liberation Parade which will be participated by some 15,000 local officials, employees, businessmen, civic groups, students, senior and concerned citizens.

We greet the Officials and Residents of Mandaluyong City headed by Mayor Benjamin C. Abalos Jr., on the occasion of the twin celebration of the 67th Liberation Day and the 18th Cityhood Anniversary and wish them all the success in all their endeavors. MABUHAY!